G.I. Joe Renegades: Cobra Commander

Presenting new Cobra Commander from the G.I. Joe Renegades line. The G.I. Joe Renegades cartoon borrows and modifies a lot of the story line from the G.I. Joe Rise of Cobra movie.

First off is Renegades Cobra Commander's name. In the ROC movie, Cobra Commander was Richard "Rex" Lewis. His sister, was the Baroness deCobray (Through marriage). In the cartoon, Renegades Cobra Commander is Adam deCobray.

Renegades Cobra Commander keeps the pasty-white skin of Rex Lewis and even the facial deformation that Rex had in the movie - which is why Renegades Cobra Commander covers the lower and left-side of his face with armor. Except Renegades Cobra Commander is bald. Sometime later in the Renegades series, Renegades Cobra Commander comes down with a mysterious disease that forces him to wear the full face mask to help him breath.




Renegades Cobra Commander is the head of an multi-billion dollar international Pharmaceutical firm (like the one my wife works for) that serves as a cover for an international terrorist organization determined to rule the world. What's so nice about the Renegades Cobra Commander in the cartoons is that happily he's no longer as prone to giving monologue ranting and evil cackling as his previous incarnations are, though he is just as arrogant and is vain enough to keep his disfigurement a secret (Preferring to use a virtual simulation to keep it a secret to the world).  He also has a giant pet snake - Serpentor (Now that's a laugh) -  that can swallow people whole, but unfortunately the action figure only comes with a regular sized one.

Renegades Cobra Commander's blister card gives Renegade Cobra Commander the rank of Cobra Leader and reads "Cobra Commander is the shadowy figure who runs COBRA Industries. To the public, he is known as the kind, generous Adam deCobray. But the truth is that he is a ruthless megalomaniac who wants to rule the world, and will crush anyone who gets in his way."



What's to like about Renegades Cobra Commander?

Well you can't go wrong with a Nazi blue uniform with riding boots. I think it plays well with Renegade Cobra Commander's character. He's supposed to be a ego-centric megalomaniac so it only makes sense that he dresses well in an outfit that draws attention and demands respect.

Renegades Cobra Commander looks even more domineering with his full face plate mask in place because his look becomes colder and detached versus the horror of his disfigurement that his... three-fourths face mask depicts. The original "bucket-head" just is soooo 80s. Classic, but seriously who would want to wear one?

Next up is his flexibility. Renegades Cobra Commander comes with the new wrists that allow for better flexibility and better posing.

 

Renegades Cobra Commander can actually be a bit inspiring. You can imagine actually charging behind this guy - well we can only hope that he's in front, but then he's an egomaniac so he should. 

What's not to like about Renegades Cobra Commander?

Let's start with his accessories. Renegades Cobra Commander's blister card read that he has - or should have - as a primary weapon, a "Bio-Containment Claw" I don't really know what that is, but I would like to have it. As with the Renegades Duke and Renegades Snake Eyes, Renegades Cobra Commander lists an accessory that he does not have in the package.

Next is, while I love his new short trench-coat, Renegades Cobra Commander's skirt gets in the way of his articulation. You'll find that while the plastic is flexible enough to provide a modicum of leg movement, don't expect and high-kicks or ninja-like poses while using that battle staff other than what has been depicted above nor the flexibility of the Pursuit of Cobra, Cobra Commander. The slit in the trenchcoat's side does give you some freedom.

But the biggest problem I have with Renegades Cobra Commander is just how feminine that eyebrow of his is. He can seriously double for a fashion model and people will kill for high-arched brows like that. And just look at those high cheekbones! 

I'm clearly not that big a fan of this particular figure. And yes, I only have him because I bought him as part of a set of four that included Renegades Duke and Renegades Snake Eyes, The set of four cost PhP 2,400 (Roughly US$ 13.95 plus shipping.). Renegades Cobra Commander is available on Amazon for US$ 12.95 plus shipping. Still an exciting figure to have especially if you are a fan of the G.I. Joe Renegades cartoon.